Senior high school members of Las Ninas de Las Madrecitas recently completed four years of volunteer work for local nonprofits as well as Orthopedic Institute for Children with their 2019 fashion show themed “Melodies of Life” April 13 at the Ebell Club in Long Beach.The event featured Las Ninas members modeling fashions from Cason Couture along with a special rose presentation ceremony recognizing their parents, families and friends for their support. Member models included from left: Laura Gong, Miley Oshiro, Lauren LaRue, Grace Ryan, Marina Kare, Audrey Bogosian, Kyra Smitham, Alexandra Porse, Madeleine Suh, Madison Hama, Sereene Saab and Corinne Perahia. (Photo by Meredith Grenier)

From wine and cheese soirees at ocean-view vineyards to dinners at a comedy and magic club, dozens of local nonprofits hold fundraising events during the narrow calendar corridor between Easter and July 4.

After Independence Day, supporters typically go on vacation; and before Easter, the weather is less predictable, though there are still popular winter events, such as Las Madrecitas’ Evergreen Ball, along with theme parties, including the Palos Verdes Library District’s Mardi Gras, featuring “An Evening on Bourbon Street.”

In honor of February — Black History Month — the the library district celebrated its 10th year of hosting The Living History Museum of African American Heroes by introducing the public and students in kindergarten through eighth-grade to legends such as Rosa Parks, area ballerina Misty Copeland and Frederick Douglass.

Many of the nonprofits choose their annual extravaganza to honor their own members or — as in the case of the recent Switzer Women of the Year luncheon — to honor high-profile community volunteers.

Some organizations honor teens, who volunteer countless hours during their high school years. This year, 12 girls who are members of Las Ninas de Las Madrecitas were honored at a ball in the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Each girl volunteered several hundred hours at Orthopaedic Institute for Children and in the local community over the past four years.

On Saturday, April 13, these Las Ninas’ senior honorees held “Melodies of Life,” a fashion show lunch and special rose presentation ceremony recognizing their families and friends at the Ebell Club in Long Beach. Las Ninas members modeled fashions from Cason Couture.

Las Ninas membership is open to mothers and high school-aged daughters. Membership information: lasmadrecitas.lasninas@gmail.com or lasmadrecitas-lasninas.com.

Torrance Education Foundation Gala

This year marks the silver anniversary for the Torrance Education Foundation, which will celebrate “25 Years of Giving” at a benefit dinner May 4 at the Torrance DoubleTree Hotel.

The gala will honor George Mannon, Torrance Unified School District superintendent since 2005, with the James R. Armstrong Community Leadership Award. Torrance Unified continues to have one of the highest graduation rates in the state, currently 97%, and district high schools have been ranked by US News & World Report as some of the best in California and nationwide.

The evening, open to the public, includes a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, opportunity drawings, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds support the education foundation’s programs, and the school district’s priorities and students activities.

Tickets are $150. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or for more information: 310-320-7232 or 501Auction.com/TEFGala.

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Asia America Youth Symphony

Jazz musician and composer David Benoit will lead the Asia America Youth Symphony during its Annual Spring Concert at 7 p.m. May 5 at the James R. Armstrong Theater in Torrance. Benoit — the symphony’s founder, music director and conductor — will present a varied program, including “In the Steppes of Central Asia” by Alexander Borodin; “An American In Paris” by George Gershwin; and the world’s premiere of Benoit’s “The Great Wall for Flute and Piano,” featuring Joseph Loi on flute and Adina Pak on piano. Plus there will be more surprise pieces.

Tickets: $15 for students with identification; $25 general and $40 preferred.

Evening of Laughter

Supporters of the South Bay Auxiliary of Harbor Interfaith Services hope to laugh all the way to the bank following the fifth annual “Evening of Laughter and Fun(d)raising” at 5:30 p.m. May 8 at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.

The evening includes dinner, raffle, a live and silent auction, and the comedy and magic show. Tickets cost $125. Proceeds will benefit Harbor Interfaith’s Children’s Center.

Grand Salon 2019

The Peninsula Committee Los Angeles Philharmonic presents an evening of world-class music, fine wine and gourmet tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. June 2 at the home of Carolyn Elliott.

The evening, known as the Grand Salon 2019, will feature Denis Bouriakov, principal flute with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Erin Bouriakov, former principal flute of the Seoul Philharmonic, who is currently a lecturer at UCLA; and award-winning pianist Anton Smirnov, who teaches at the Russian School of Music in Irvine, will also perform.

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